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Abstract

This research study was completed to explore how a specific population of college students strive to reach their educational goals. The purpose of the study concentrated on how TRiO first-generation college students (FGCs) at a community college perceived their success in accomplishing goals in a college educational setting with the assistance of the TRiO program. Theories guiding the study include Astin’s I-E-O model and Bean’s model. The research utilized interviews and a focus group with TRiO FGCs. Thirteen students participated in an interview and two students participated in a focus group. During the interviews and focus group, participants provided insight into how their status as TRiO FGCs effected their pursuit of academic goals and how the TRiO program assisted TRiO FGCs to reach their academic goals. Transcripts of the interviews and focus group were typed into a word document. These documents were coded using posting and NVivo software. Results indicated the perception of TRiO FGCs on their status as TRiO FGCs and how the TRiO program helped them attain the goals they hoped to reach as a college student. The common themes shared by students indicate implications for practitioners, higher education institutions, considerations for the future and indications of what may benefit all college students.